A bit on the side

[ShelleyS]

If I wanted to set up a little "business" selling handmade craft items, where would I stand with regards to the tax man?  If I wanted to sell these items at craft shows and wedding fairs, could I do this as a side-line?

[andy hughes]

Yes you can, but if it is any size of income at all, you need to declare it.

Keep all your receipts for outgoings, and proper records of your accounts, and if it looks like a goer, get yourself an accountant - he will save you in tax what it costs to employ him, and more.

Beware, if you avoid tax, and the Revenue find out, they will hammer you. They are a lot more friendly than years ago, but they haven't opted for charitable status yet, and they are not stupid, so be honest, and you'll save a load of grief. Hope it works out for you.

[undercovers]

that was my old mums thinking when she declared the �120 pounds she made in a year by tutoring a child in maths - the tax man was all over her and claimed that she must have made more money than that or why would she do it and carried out a long and tiring investigation of all my mother and fathers incomings which due to the nature of their work isn't as easy as looking at the month payslips... so tread careful, keep detailed records but don't say a thing unless you start making quite a lot of cash

[inferno]

I really don't think this is helpful advice from undercovers - not declaring income to the taxman can get you in a great deal of trouble.

[hugnie21]

Quite agree with Inferno. I see what undercovers is saying but this is the sort of thing an accountant can advise you on, don't just not declare anything!

[joko]

I'm not sure but I have heard that car boot sales are untaxed - perhaps try there first and see how your wares sell - not ideal but worth a go - check if i'm right first though